The World Jet Ski King's Cup will be the biggest event of its kind ever held in Asia and is also one of the two biggest meets in the world and has the backing of the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA).

This year the number of foreign competitors have increased as the Thai Jet Sports Boating Association (TJSBA) have invited riders from the top five nations in the sport to take part in the two-day meet.

A total of 60 contestants from 20 countries have signed up and the TJSBA expect the number will reach 100 before the competition kicks off. A large number of local riders have also entered and up to 80 are expected.

"We [the TJSBA] hope the event will impress all foreign participants, coaches and officials and we hope it will be a stepping stone to the World Cup, which we will organise next year," said TJSBA president Sanit Worapanya.

The 11th edition of event will be staged to commemorate the 60th anniversary celebration of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne and also to honour His Majesty the King's prowess on the water. His Majesty won a gold medal in sailing at the Peninsular Games in 1967, which are now known as the SEA Games.

The Thai jet ski team is ranked No 2 in the world over the last two years. However, this year has been a nightmare for the TJSBA as it lost two good riders at the IJSBA World Jet Ski Finals in Arizona in September.

One rider passed away before the contest, while the other had an accident during the world-class contest and is still injured.

"Although our team failed to finished as high as in the previous finals, they won the heart of the fans, who packed the lake through the race. They liked the Thai team's performance very much," Sanit added.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation